Jackson joins Rams after injury set back

Andrew Hunt

Dewsbury Rams have acted swiftly to the injury set-back of having Zach Johnson ruled out for the season by signing former Super League prop Paul Jackson.

Johnson suffered triple knee ligament damage during the pre-season win over London Broncos, which requires surgery and an extended period of rehabilitation.

Jackson made close to 300 Super League appearances for Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, Huddersfield Giants and Castleford Tigers and Rams coach Glenn Morrison is delighted to have another quality signing on board.

Morrison said: “Paul had a couple of clubs chasing him but he got in contact with us and wanted to play for Dewsbury.

“He only lives 10 minutes away, he likes what he has seen and wants to be part of it and finish his career on his terms, which he doesn’t believe he did last year.

“I played plenty of games against Paul when he was at Cas and he’s good mates with Wagga (Wayne Godwin).

“He’s a quality player and it’s great that we have signed him, especially so late on.”

Jackson is not in contention for Sunday’s trip to Workington but will feature in the Rams Reserve friendly against Wakefield Wildcats Under-19s tonight (Friday, kick off 8pm)

Kieran Hyde was left out against Sheffield due to the system Dewsbury opted to play but he comes into the reckoning for Workington.

Dewsbury will be looking to build on last week’s superb 19-10 victory over the Eagles against a Workington side who lost 30-6 at Batley Bulldogs.

Morrison added: “I expect Workington to be a lot better this weekend and I won’t be reading too much into the Batley game.

“It is always tough going up there and they have some experienced players coming in.”